Video Streaming with Feedback Using Mobile Device

ABSTRACT

A method for direct video broadcasting to video host, via a mobile device, including allowing the video host to initiate an audio communication with a user, via the user&#39;s mobile device; allowing the user, via the mobile device, to accept the initiated audio communication from the video host; providing, in response to the user accepting the initiated audio communication, audio communication between the user and the video host; and allowing, in response to the user accepting the initiated audio communication, the user to capture video, via the mobile device, and upload or stream the captured video to the video host, wherein the video host is enabled to engage in audio communications with the user, as the captured video is being captured, and wherein the audio communication is separate from the audio associated with any video being captured.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/516,680, filed Apr. 4, 2017, which is a U.S. National StageEntry under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No.PCT/US17/25803, filed Apr. 4, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S.Patent Application Ser. No. 62/319,044, filed Apr. 6, 2016 and U.S.Patent Application Ser. No. 62/503,629, filed Oct. 3, 2016, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties byreference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

The disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subjectto copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to thereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records,but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Unless otherwisenoted, all trademarks and service marks identified herein are owned bythe applicant.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE 1. Field of the Present Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to a smartphone or other mobiledevice mobile application. More specifically, the present disclosurerelates to systems and methods for providing a direct broadcastconnection between a user capturing live events via a smartphone orother mobile device and end-user in real time sent over a computernetwork such as, for example, the World Wide Web.

2. Description of Related Art

Capturing and uploading video content to the web and other social mediaaccounts has become a huge part of the social media userexperience—providing the ability to relive and view user uploaded eventscaptured by their mobile devices. Millions of videos captured by usersare uploaded daily to social media sites such as Facebook and YouTubeamong others. These videos are generally not viewed in real time, butsubsequently viewed and ranked as to popularity with some going viral.Some social media platforms allow users to livestream events out tofriends they have chosen and in general to anyone on the web who mayfind them.

Everything is coming from the user in a one-way direction with noreal-time capability for someone who wants to use that video inreal-time to be able to contact the “streamer” (i.e., the individualcameraperson shooting the live event with their mobile device) andcontrol the use of the camera.

Currently, end-users (news and non-news organizations) have limitedability to receive live-streamed video as events take place in realtime. Presently, the end-user's only means of connection is provided bya non-direct to the end-user connection manner via social mediaapplications. The original video transmissions are simply sent in anuncontrollable, non-broadcast format of live streams out into the WorldWide Web to be potentially searched by an end-user, who, as a result,loses the element of live usage by the time they locate and connect tothe live streams available.

Internal or interruptible feedback (IFB) is commonly used by televisionstudios to facilitate private audio communications with a cameraperson.The private audio communication is not part of the video and audio beingbroadcasted and is only heard by the cameraperson. Typically, thecameraperson uses headphones or a headset to hear and communicate withthe television studio.

IFB is an important feature because it allows for more accurate framing,it provides necessary instruction from the studio to the cameraperson,including when to start filming, zoom in, zoom out, focus on particularobjects, and other general direction. The cameraperson on location isoften the “voice”, “eyes”, and “ears” of the studio. Without IFB, onecannot usually have accurate or practical videography. Most newsstations will not accept live video/audio feeds unless there is live IFBcommunication with the cameraperson in the field.

It is also known in the art that mobile devices can transmit and receiveaudio/video communications via the cameras and microphones available onthe mobile devices, such as cellular smartphones. In all instances knownin the art, such audio and video are tied together in a single stream.For example, with services such as Skype and Apple FaceTime, audio andvideo is transmitted with two-way real-time communications from onemobile device (or computer) to another mobile device (or computer), andvice versa. In another example, such as YouTube Live and Facebook Live,audio and video is transmitted one-way from a mobile device (orcomputer) to a website where the same is viewable by others.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, or thelike, which has been included in the present specification is not to betaken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of theprior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant tothe present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of eachclaim of this application.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

However, based on the popularity of streaming video, there exists anoverwhelming volume of such streams that are available for viewing. Inthe era of “big data”, everyone is looking for ways to sort through andcull down the massive amounts of data to just what is desired, relevant,or useful. Current approaches of streaming user uploaded video contentin real-time via the web and social media platforms have beenunsuccessful in an organized, relevant manner acceptable to use byprofessional broadcast professionals.

The current practices and capabilities of live stream direct connectionsare ineffective, laborious, and limit the end-users real-time experienceof a live event captured by a first-hand mobile device that they canhave direct control over in that use. Without the capability ofcontrolling the camera manipulation during live transmission,professional broadcasters will not take an unsolicited camera livestreamlive to broadcast. Doing so could result in inappropriate video beingbroadcast and dire consequences for the person or organizationbroadcasting the video.

Furthermore, there is no known system or method that allows a mobiledevice to capture and transmit live audio and video while simultaneouslyreceiving a separate audio channel that is privately available only tothe mobile device user and which does not interrupt or become part ofthe aforementioned live audio and video transmission.

In order to overcome these and various other shortcomings in the currentstate-of-the-art, in various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, thepresent disclosure provides a method for obtaining sorted, vetted, andgeographically relevant video streams from mobile devices for use byvarious video hosts.

In accordance with various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of thedisclosure, a direct broadcast connection over a network between afront-end smartphone or other mobile device with video content capturingand streaming capabilities and a back-end web interface is provided. Theback-end web interface communicates and corresponds with the one or morefront end-user mobile device applications in order to provide live videostreaming for broadcast purposes or storage in an archived clouddatabase stored on a computer readable medium for later retrieval.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the present disclosureincorporates a Direct Broadcast Connection (DBC) between one or moremobile devices with video streaming and/or recording capabilities,having an App installed, one or more video hosts and one or moresubsequent viewer devices.

Moreover, the systems and/or methods of the present disclosure demystifylive news or emergency event streaming for average videographers (usingmobile devices) and directly connects (or connects through thedistributed network) the mobile devices with subsequent viewer devices.The provision of a direct to use or broadcast connection and subsequentcontrol and communication between the videographer (utilizing the mobiledevice) and the CamCaster Control Room interface for a video host,delivers live video streams in broadcastable form, which video hosts canuse with a high degree of confidence and control. The systems andmethods of the present disclosure provide an improvement over knownsocial media and other Apps that simply send uncontrollable video orvideo streams to the Internet to be searched for by subsequent viewerswho subsequently loose the element of live usage by the time they locatelive video streams.

Many mobile devices have multiple input and output options. For example,a Smartphone typically has a camera on the front and back of the device,a microphone at the front and at the bottom, a speaker at the top and atthe bottom, a “headphone” jack where the device can transmit audio to awired headset and receive audio from the wired headset's microphone, andwireless Bluetooth which allows a wireless device to send and receiveaudio to and from the Smartphone.

Mobile devices, such as cellular Smartphones, have the ability totransmit and receive different “streams” of audio using VoIP from thedifferent input and outputs on such devices. Through the inventionsoftware, the invention is able to route the audio and video from oneset of inputs on the mobile device to the recipient, by receiving aseparate and independent audio feed that may be directed thoughdifferent audio inputs and outputs, thereby effectively creating twoindependent streams.

Through the systems and methods of the present disclosure, when aMyLiveApp user starts a live video and audio stream, the softwareprovides access to the audio and video inputs of the mobile device forpurposes of transmitting the live video and audio feed. However,simultaneously while streaming said video and audio, the inventionsoftware creates a multi-channel audio access that allows the mobiledevice output (speaker), and optionally a separate mobile device input(microphone), to connect over the second initiated VoIP network back tothe CamCaster Control Room. With this multi-channel audio access, theone-way or two-way separate audio communication does not interrupt thesimultaneous live video audio transmission.

All of the communications discussed herein take place using VoIP overthe mobile device's data connection, such as the cellular LTE connectionor a WiFi connection of a smartphone, and they do not take place overthe standard voice-only communication channel available on cellularphones.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure,the systems and/or methods of the present disclosure provide a methodfor direct video broadcasting to one or more selected video hosts, via amobile device, comprising providing a user, via the mobile device, witha listing of one or more available video hosts; allowing the user, viathe mobile device, to select one or more desired video hosts from theone or more available video hosts; associating the mobile device withthe selected one or more desired video hosts, such that the selected oneor more desired video hosts will be the exclusive recipient(s) of videofrom the mobile device; and allowing the user to capture video, via themobile device, and upload or stream the captured video exclusively tothe selected one or more desired video hosts.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments each available video hostis represented by a selectable icon.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments each of the availablevideo hosts represents a video host that is tailored toward a specificgenre or type of accessible videos.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments the user may optionallyestablish one or more video hosts, to be associated with a particularevent description or tag.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments the selection of the oneor more desired video hosts by the user initiates an approval request toeach of the selected one or more desired video hosts.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure,the systems and/or methods of the present disclosure further provideallowing the user to capture video and upload or stream the capturedvideo to the selected one or more desired video hosts includes allowingthe user to capture video and upload or stream the captured videoexclusively to the selected one or more desired video hosts.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure,the systems and/or methods of the present disclosure further provideallowing the selected one or more desired video hosts to provide thecaptured video to one or more subsequent users.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure,the systems and/or methods of the present disclosure further providerequiring the user to designate at least one categorization for thecaptured video, prior to capturing the video.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure,the systems and/or methods of the present disclosure further provideallowing the selected one or more desired video hosts to provide thecaptured video to one or more subsequent viewers, based on the at leastone categorization for the captured video.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure,the systems and/or methods of the present disclosure further provideallowing the selected one or more desired video hosts to store thecaptured video.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments the selected one or moredesired video hosts is enabled to engage in audio communications, text,or nonverbal communications with the user, as the captured video isbeing captured.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure,the systems and/or methods of the present disclosure further providerequiring the user to designate at least one categorization for thecaptured video, prior to capturing the video.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure,the systems and/or methods of the present disclosure further provideidentifying a geographic location where the video is captured andwherein the captured video is accessed, based on the at least onecategorization for the captured video.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure,the systems and/or methods of the present disclosure provide a methodfor providing captured video to a subsequent user device, via a desiredvideo host, comprising allowing a user to designate, via a mobiledevice, at least one desired video host; allowing the subsequent user,via the subsequent user device, to be associated with the at least onedesired video host; allowing the user to capture video, via the mobiledevice, and upload or stream the captured video to the at least onedesired video host device, wherein the captured video includes at leastone categorization for the captured video, as designated by the userprior to capturing the video; and allowing the subsequent user toaccess, via the subsequent user device, the captured video, via thevideo host device associated with the at least one desired video host,wherein the captured video is accessed, based on the at least onecategorization for the captured video.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments the selected one or moredesired video hosts is enabled to engage in audio communications withthe user, as the captured video is being captured.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments the selected one or moredesired video hosts is enabled to engage in text or nonverbalcommunications with the user, as the captured video is being captured.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure,the systems and/or methods of the present disclosure further provideallowing the selected one or more desired video hosts to store thecaptured video.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure,the systems and/or methods of the present disclosure further provideidentifying a geographic location where the video is captured andwherein the captured video is accessed, based on the at least onecategorization for the captured video.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure,the systems and/or methods of the present disclosure provide a methodfor providing captured video to a subsequent user device, via a desiredvideo host, comprising allowing a user to designate, via a mobiledevice, at least one desired video host; allowing the subsequent user,via the subsequent user device, to be associated with the at least onedesired video host; allowing the user to capture video, via the mobiledevice, and upload or stream the captured video to the at least onedesired video host device, wherein the captured video includes at leastone categorization for the captured video, as designated by the userprior to capturing the video; identifying a geographic location of themobile device at the time the captured video was captured; and allowingthe subsequent user to access, via the subsequent user device, thecaptured video, via the video host device associated with the at leastone desired video host, wherein the captured video is accessed, based onthe at least one categorization for the captured video and thegeographic location of the mobile device at the time the captured videowas captured.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure,the systems and/or methods of the present disclosure provide a methodfor direct video broadcasting to at least one video host, via a mobiledevice, comprising: allowing the at least one video host to initiate anaudio communication with a user, via the user's mobile device; allowingthe user, via the mobile device, to accept the initiated audiocommunication from the at least one video host; providing, in responseto the user accepting the initiated audio communication, audiocommunication between the user and the at least one video host; andallowing, in response to the user accepting the initiated audiocommunication, the user to capture video, via the mobile device, andupload or stream the captured video to the at least one video host,wherein the at least one video host is enabled to engage in audiocommunications with the user, as the captured video is being captured,and wherein the audio communication is separate from the audioassociated with any video being captured.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments the initiated audiocommunication is a nonverbal communication.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments the audio communication isa Voice-Over-IP (“VoIP”) audio communication.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments the audio communication isa one way communication from the at least one video host to the user ora two way communication between the at least one video host and theuser.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments the audio communication isaccomplished via an external speaker and/or microphone attached orcoupled via wired connection or wirelessly to the mobile device or aspeaker and/or microphone of the mobile device, which is separate from aspeaker and/or microphone of the mobile device utilized for capturingaudio associated with video being captured by the mobile device.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure,the systems and/or methods of the present disclosure allow the at leastone video host to provide the captured video to one or more subsequentusers.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure,the systems and/or methods of the present disclosure require the user todesignate at least one categorization for the captured video, prior tocapturing the video.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure,the systems and/or methods of the present disclosure allow the at leastone video host to store the captured video.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments the at least one videohost is enabled to engage in text or nonverbal communications with theuser, as the captured video is being captured.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure,the systems and/or methods of the present disclosure provide a methodfor direct video broadcasting to at least one video host, via a mobiledevice, comprising: allowing a user to initiate an audio communicationwith at least one video host, via the user's mobile device; allowing theat least one video host to accept the initiated audio communication fromthe user; providing, in response to the at least one video hostaccepting the initiated audio communication, audio communication betweenthe at least one video host and the user; and allowing, in response tothe at least one video host accepting the initiated audio communication,the user to capture video, via the mobile device, and upload or streamthe captured video to the at least one video host, wherein the at leastone video host is enabled to engage in audio communications with theuser, as the captured video is being captured, and wherein the audiocommunication is separate from the audio associated with any video beingcaptured.

Accordingly, the presently disclosed systems and/or methods separatelyand optionally provide methods for direct to video broadcasting toselected video hosts.

The presently disclosed systems and/or methods separately and optionallyprovide a direct to broadcast connection capability for real-timecapture, streaming, and delivery of organized, relevant real-time videoto end-users in an organized manner.

The presently disclosed systems and/or methods separately and optionallyprovide for the live streaming of video from mobile devices.

The presently disclosed systems and/or methods separately and optionallyprovide for video to be pre-categorized and/or geo-tagged for upload todetermined video hosts.

The presently disclosed systems and/or methods separately and optionallyprovide for video to be sortable by category and/or geographic locationfor viewing by an end-viewer or subsequent viewer.

The presently disclosed systems and/or methods separately and optionallyprovide systems and methods that allow for the creation of online videochannels by outlet host devices.

The presently disclosed systems and/or methods separately and optionallyprovide systems and methods for outlet host devices to create a videooutlet, allow videographers to provide video content, and allowsubsequent viewers to access the created video outlet to view the videocontent.

The presently disclosed systems and/or methods separately and optionallymake it possible for outlet host devices to create a video presence andcompete with other, well-established video or news outlets.

The presently disclosed systems and/or methods separately and optionallyprovide systems and methods that are customizable for both consumer andcorporate users.

The presently disclosed systems and/or methods separately and optionallyprovide a direct broadcast connection over a network between a mobiledevice with video content capturing and streaming capabilities and aback-end web interface.

The presently disclosed systems and/or methods separately and optionallyprovide a method for providing a real-time feedback loop between videohost and subsequent viewers.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the presentlydisclosed systems and/or methods are described in or are apparent fromthe following detailed description of the exemplary, non-limitingembodiments of the presently disclosed systems and/or methods and theaccompanying figures. Other aspects and features of embodiments of thepresently disclosed systems and/or methods will become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the following description ofspecific, exemplary embodiments of the presently disclosed systemsand/or methods in concert with the figures. While features of thepresently disclosed systems and/or methods may be discussed relative tocertain embodiments and figures, all embodiments of the presentlydisclosed systems and/or methods can include one or more of the featuresdiscussed herein. Further, while one or more embodiments may bediscussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of suchfeatures may also be used with the various embodiments of the systemsand/or methods discussed herein. In similar fashion, while exemplaryembodiments may be discussed below as device, system, or methodembodiments, it is to be understood that such exemplary embodiments canbe implemented in various devices, systems, and methods of the presentlydisclosed systems and/or methods.

Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are describedherein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended to beconstrued as a critical, required, or essential feature(s) or element(s)of the presently disclosed systems and/or methods or the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

As required, detailed exemplary embodiments of the presently disclosedsystems and/or methods are disclosed herein; however, it is to beunderstood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of thepresently disclosed systems and/or methods that may be embodied invarious and alternative forms, within the scope of the presentlydisclosed systems and/or methods. The figures are not necessarily toscale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustratedetails of particular components. Therefore, specific structural andfunctional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted aslimiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representativebasis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the presentlydisclosed systems and/or methods.

The exemplary embodiments of the presently disclosed systems and/ormethods will be described in detail, with reference to the followingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughoutthe several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram outlining an exemplaryembodiment of the exemplary systems, methods, and/or apparatuses fordirect video broadcasting to determined video hosts, according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a mobile device beingutilized according to the presently disclosed systems and/or methods;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a mobile device beingutilized according to the presently disclosed systems and/or methods;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a mobile device beingutilized to select a video type or tag, according to the presentlydisclosed systems and/or methods;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a mobile device beingutilized to capture, upload, and/or streaming video, according to thepresently disclosed systems and/or methods;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary flowchart outlining exemplary steps forallowing a user to select a media host or outlet for receiving captured,uploaded, and/or streaming video, according to the presently disclosedsystems and/or methods;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary flowchart outlining exemplary steps fordirect video broadcasting through selected video hosts, according to thepresently disclosed systems and/or methods;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a video host interface,displayed on an outlet host device, according to the presently disclosedsystems and/or methods;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a video host interface,displayed on an outlet host device, according to the presently disclosedsystems and/or methods;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary flowchart outlining exemplary steps forallowing a user to upload video to a media host or outlet with audiofeedback, according to the presently disclosed systems and/or methods;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a graphical userinterface displayed on a mobile device being utilized to upload video toa media host or outlet, according to the presently disclosed systemsand/or methods;

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a graphical userinterface displayed on a mobile device being utilized to upload video toa media host or outlet, according to the presently disclosed systemsand/or methods;

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a graphical userinterface displayed on a mobile device being utilized to upload video toa media host or outlet, according to the presently disclosed systemsand/or methods;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a graphical userinterface displayed on a mobile device being utilized to upload video toa media host or outlet, according to the presently disclosed systemsand/or methods;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a graphical userinterface displayed for a media host or outlet being used to receiveuploaded video from a mobile device, according to the presentlydisclosed systems and/or methods;

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a graphical userinterface displayed for a media host or outlet being used to requestreceipt of uploaded video from a mobile device user, according to thepresently disclosed systems and/or methods; and

FIG. 17 illustrates a functional block diagram outlining an exemplaryembodiment of the exemplary systems, methods, and/or apparatuses,according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

For simplicity and clarification, the design factors and operatingprinciples for direct video broadcasting through selected video hostsaccording to the presently disclosed systems and/or methods areexplained with reference to various exemplary embodiments for directvideo broadcasting through selected video hosts according to thepresently disclosed systems and/or methods. The basic explanation of thedesign factors and operating principles for direct video broadcastingthrough selected video hosts is applicable for the understanding,design, and operation for direct video broadcasting through selectedvideo hosts of the presently disclosed systems and/or methods. It shouldbe appreciated that video or image capture can be adapted to anyapplications where video or image capture can be used or in conjunctionwith any live or recorded video broadcast.

As used herein, the word “may” is meant to convey a permissive sense(i.e., meaning “having the potential to”), rather than a mandatory sense(i.e., meaning “must”). Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first”and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the exemplaryembodiments and/or elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms arenot necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization ofsuch exemplary embodiments and/or elements.

The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless statedotherwise. Throughout this application, the terms “comprise” (and anyform of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and anyform of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include”, (and any form ofinclude, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any formof contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are used as open-endedlinking verbs. It will be understood that these terms are meant to implythe inclusion of a stated element, integer, step, or group of elements,integers, or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer,step, or group of elements, integers, or steps. As a result, a system,method, or apparatus that “comprises”, “has”, “includes”, or “contains”one or more elements possesses those one or more elements but is notlimited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, amethod or process that “comprises”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” oneor more operations possesses those one or more operations but is notlimited to possessing only those one or more operations.

It should also be appreciated that the terms “videographer”, “mobiledevice”, “outlet host device”, “subsequent viewer device”, and “video”are used for basic explanation and understanding of the operation of thesystems, methods, and apparatuses of the presently disclosed systemsand/or methods. Therefore, the terms “videographer”, “mobile device”,“outlet host device”, “subsequent viewer device”, and “video” are not tobe construed as limiting the systems, methods, and apparatuses of thepresently disclosed systems and/or methods. Thus, for example, the term“videographer” is to be understood to help to find the user, utilizingthe mobile device to capture video and the App or other software tocontrol the mobile device to operate in accordance with the systemsand/or methods of the present disclosure.

The term “mobile device” is to be understood to broadly include anyportable personal computer or similar device with a mobile operatingsystem, such as, for example, mobile phone, smartphone, cellular phone,tablet, portable media player, multi-purpose pocket computer, iPad,Google Tablet, Android platform, point of view camera, still or videocamera, and the like.

The term “outlet host device” is to be understood to broadly include anycomputer or device utilized by a host (a “video host”) to provide videofor viewing by one or more subsequent viewer devices. This could includebroadcast news, print news, news websites, social media websites,networking websites, or individually hosted or controlled websites. Invarious exemplary embodiments, the software associated with theMyLiveApp provides each outlet host device with a webpage or portalthrough which the video host can view video content being uploaded,streamed, and/or recorded, as well as certain information regarding theuser providing the uploaded are streaming video. As utilized herein, thewebpage or portal provided to each outlet host device may generally bereferred to as the “CamCaster Control Room”.

The term “subsequent viewer device” is to be understood to broadlyinclude any computer or device utilized by an end-user or subscriber (a“subsequent viewer”) to view video provided by one or more video hosts.

The term video is to be understood to broadly include live-streamingvideo, previously streamed video, uploaded video, previously uploadedvideo, converted video, and/or manipulated video. The term video is alsounderstood to broadly include any video in any format, including, forexample, Flash Video (FLV), MPEG-4 Part 14 (MP4), MPEG-1, MPEG-2, M4V,F4V, Vob, Ogg Video, Dirac, GIF, Video alternative to GIF,Multiple-image Network Graphics, AVI, QuickTime File Format, WindowsMedia Video, Raw video format, RealMedia (RM), RealMedia VariableBitrate (RMVB), WebM, Matroska, Advanced Systems Format (ASF), AMV videoformat, SVI, 3GPP, 3GPP2, Material Exchange Format (MXF), ROQ, NullsoftStreaming Video (NSV), Flash Video (FLV) and Wowza. The term video isalso to be understood to include video having any display resolution(i.e., the number of pixels in each dimension, for example 1920×1080)and having any pixel density (i.e., the number of pixels per unitdistance or area). Furthermore, the term video is also understood toinclude any associated audio.

For simplicity and clarification, features of the presently disclosedsystems and/or methods will be described as being used in conjunctionwith a mobile device, such as, for example, a mobile phone. However, itshould be appreciated that these are merely exemplary embodiments of thedisclosed features and are not to be construed as limiting the presentlydisclosed systems and/or methods. Thus, video may be captured, utilizingthe presently disclosed systems and/or methods, by any mobile electronicor other device capable of capturing and sharing, streaming, oruploading currently captured or previously captured videos.

Turning now to the appended and included drawing figures, wherein theshowings are for purposes of illustrating an exemplary version of thedisclosure only and not for purposes of limiting the same, the presentdisclosure is a broadcast connection over a network between a mobiledevice with video content capturing and live video streamingcapabilities and a back-end web interface communicating andcorresponding with the one or more outlet host devices and/or subsequentviewer devices, computer applications in order to provide live videostreaming for broadcast purposes or record said video in an archivedcloud database stored on a server.

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplatedmodes of carrying out exemplary versions of the disclosure. Thedescription is not to be taken in the limiting sense, but is made merelyfor the purpose illustrating the general principles of the disclosure,since the scope of the disclosure is best defined by the appendedclaims.

Various inventive features are described below that can each be usedindependently of one another or in combination with other features.

With reference to the drawing FIGS., FIG. 1 shows a functional blockdiagram outlining certain components of an exemplary embodiment of thesystems and/or methods for direct video broadcasting to determined videohosts, according to the present disclosure. In certain illustrative,non-limiting embodiment(s) of this disclosure, the systems and/ormethods utilize several components. For example, in various exemplary,nonlimiting embodiments, the present disclosure utilizes at least someof a distributed network 10, a server 20, a memory or database 30, oneor more mobile communications base stations 40, one or more mobiledevices 50, at least one outlet host device 60, and at least onesubsequent viewer device 70.

In various exemplary embodiments, the systems and/or methods of thepresent disclosure are able to interact with a plurality of mobiledevices 50, a plurality of video hosts 60, and a plurality of subsequentviewer devices 70. In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, eachmobile device 50, video host 60, and subsequent viewer device 70 islinked, either directly or indirectly, via wired or wireless linkedconnection(s) 12, to the distributed network 10, and, in turn, to theserver 20 and the database 30.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, at least some of themobile devices 50, video hosts 60, and subsequent viewer devices 70 islinked, either directly or indirectly, via linked connection(s) 12, toone another, the server 20, and/or the database 30, without beingconnected through the distributed network 10.

The linked connection(s) 12 may be any known or later developed deviceor system for connecting at least some of the distributed network 10,the server 20, the database 30, the one or more mobile communicationsbase stations 40, the mobile device(s) 50, the video host(s) 60, and/orthe subsequent viewer device(s) 70, including a direct wired connection,a connection over a LAN, a WAN, or any other distributed network, aconnection over the public switched telephone network, a connection overa Bluetooth connection, a WiFi connection, a connection over a cellulartelephone network, a satellite connection or the like. In general, thelinked connection(s) 12 may be any known or later developed connectionsystem or structure usable to connect any of the distributed network 10,the server 20, the database 30, the one or more mobile communicationsbase stations 40, the mobile device(s) 50, the video host(s) 60, and/orthe subsequent viewer device(s) 70, including both wired and wirelessconnections.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the distributed network10 is, for example, an intranet, an extranet, the Internet and, moreparticularly, the World Wide Web portion of the Internet, a Local AreaNetwork (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), or any other presently knownor later developed distributed network 10. It should be appreciatedthat, in various exemplary embodiments, the distributed network 10 maybe, for example, a particular node, such as, for example, a specific webpage, of a larger distributed network 10.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the server 20 includes aprocessor, capable of receiving, processing, and/or transmitting video.The memory or database 30 is capable of receiving video for storage,storing video, and providing video for retrieval. The outlet host device60 is capable of receiving video, converting, and/or manipulating video,and providing and/or uploading received, converted, and/or manipulatedvideo for streaming or retrieval. The subsequent viewer device 70 iscapable of receiving and/or retrieving and displaying the received theretrieved video on a screen to display. Any other known or laterdeveloped system capable of processing and outputting data could be usedin place of the server 20.

It should be appreciated that the server 20 may optionally utilizesufficient security methods to ensure safe receipt, storage, and/ortransmission and integrity of the video and/or data.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the memory or database 30includes various suitable software programs and memory for storing videoand/or other data. In various exemplary embodiments, the video containedwithin the database 30 may optionally comprise both streaming video(such as, for example, a stored copy of currently streaming video) andpreviously streamed video (such as, for example, a stored copy ofpreviously streamed, converted, and/or manipulated video).

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, at least some of the datastored in the database 30 may optionally include data regarding variousvideographers, outlet host devices, mapping data, geolocation data, andother data necessary or desirable for enabling the systems and/ormethods of the present disclosure.

It should be appreciated that the streaming video and/or previouslystreamed video in the database 30 may vary and may be updatedperiodically, as appropriate or necessary. The streaming video and/orpreviously streamed video may be updated via input from remote inputsources and/or devices, such as, for example, from the mobile devices 50and/or the outlet host device 60.

In various exemplary embodiments, the database 30 and/or any otheraccessible database (not shown) store software and data used by thesystems and/or methods of the present disclosure. The server 20 managesmanipulation of the streaming video, reading data from and writing datato the database 30, and or any other accessible database (not shown).The server 20 also drives the transmission of data to and the receptionof data from each of the mobile devices 50, the outlet host devices 60,and/or the subsequent viewer devices 70.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the one or more mobilecommunications base stations 40 comprises a cellular telephone site ortower including antennae and electronic communications equipment, suchas, for example, at least one transmitter/receiver, transceiver, digitalsignal processor, control component, and/or GPS receiver. Together, theone or more mobile communications base stations 40 create a cell or ourportions in a cellular communications network. One or more of the mobilecommunications base stations 40 may comprise a Base Transceiver Station(BTS) as part of a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)network.

In various exemplary embodiments, the mobile device 50 comprises atleast some of a display 52, which may also function as a touchscreeninput device, one or more cameras configured to capture video and/orstill images, an audio interface comprising at least one microphone andat least one speaker, one or more device orientation sensors, such as,for example, an internal gyroscope and/or other device orientationsensors, and the requisite hardware and/or software for functionaloperation of the mobile device 50.

In various exemplary embodiments, the mobile device 50 is equipped andhas the ability to separate microphones for certain of the systems andmethods of the present disclosure to take effect. If the mobile device50 is not so equipped, then audio communications may be shared in theoperation of the systems and methods of the present disclosure. If themobile device 50 is not equipped so as to allow for use of separatemicrophones and/or speakers, the systems and methods of the presentinvention allow audio communications to be transmitted via any availablemicrophones and/or speakers, even if the same microphones and/orspeakers are utilized to capture video.

Each includes at least some of a mobile device 50, each having a memoryand processing means, each mobile device 50 having a mobile deviceapplication (App) stored thereon, the App utilizing the existing audioand video capabilities of the front-end user's mobile device 50, whichcaptures and streams real-time video content of one or more events overthe network 10.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the mobile device 50 further comprisesat least some of wireless transceiver capabilities, such as, forexample, cellular, Bluetooth, or the like for exchanging data overvarious distances, Global Positioning System (GPS) receiving sensorsand/or software for receiving GPS signals and providing geolocation dataand data regarding the global position of the mobile device 50.

It should be appreciated that this listing of features and/or elementsincluded in the mobile device 50 are exemplary and not exhaustive. Thus,it should be understood that the mobile device 50, as shown anddescribed, represents only one possible embodiment with one possiblecombination of features and elements. The features and elements thatmake up the mobile device 50 and the methods for implementing requiredand optional software for operation of the mobile device 50, are knownin the art. Therefore, a more detailed explanation of the mobile device50, the constituent components of the mobile device 50, instructionsregarding how to incorporate the required and optional elementsand/software into the mobile device 50, methods for implementing appsand software on the mobile device 50, and certain other items and/ortechniques necessary for the implementation and/or operation of thevarious exemplary embodiments of the presently disclosed systems and/ormethods are not provided herein because such elements are commerciallyavailable and/or such background data will be known to one of ordinaryskill in the art. Therefore, it is believed that the level ofdescription provided herein with regard to the mobile device 50 andimplementation of the techniques, methods, and/or apparatuses of thepresent disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in theart to understand and practice the techniques and/or methods, asdescribed.

It should also be appreciated that the systems and/or methods disclosedherein may be implemented as software executing on a mobile electronicdevice, a programmed general-purpose computer, a special purposecomputer, a microprocessor, or the like. In various exemplaryembodiments, the systems and/or methods disclosed herein may beimplemented as an app residing in a mobile electronic device, a routineembedded in a network client, as a resource residing on a networkserver, or the like. The systems and/or methods disclosed herein mayalso be implemented by incorporation into a software and/or hardwaresystem, such as the hardware or firmware systems of a mobile electronicdevice or the like. In general, any device, capable of implementing thesystems and/or methods disclosed herein and that is, in turn, capable ofimplementing the steps outlined in at least one of the exemplaryflowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, can be used to implement the systemsand/or methods disclosed herein.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, each of the outlet hostdevices 60 is optionally a networked computer, a smartphone, a tablet, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld organizer, or a similar orhybrid electronic device. Each outlet host devices 60 is utilized by auser (a “video host”) wishing to provide video for viewing by one ormore subsequent viewer devices 70. This could include broadcast news,print news, news websites, social media websites, networking websites,or individually hosted or controlled websites.

It should be understood that at least one of the outlet host devices 60may be at least one of a smartphone or tablet, having a memorycontaining communications software and some form of Internetconnectivity, such as a cellular data connection, a WiFi connection, orthe like. The Internet connector may optionally be used with thecommunications software for communication, via the distributed network10, to the server 20.

In various exemplary embodiments, each of the outlet host devices 60includes a display and may optionally include one or more input devices.In various exemplary embodiments, the display may be any other known orlater developed system capable of displaying data. The one or more inputdevices may be one or more of a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, atouch pad, a stylus, a microphone, a camera, or any other known or laterdeveloped device capable of inputting data into the outlet host device60.

Each of the outlet host devices 60 may also, optionally include at leastsome of a memory to store video or other data, a processor for renderingvideo, and a screen to display video.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, each of the subsequentviewer devices 70 is optionally a networked computer, a smartphone, atablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld organizer, atelevision, a smart television, or a similar or hybrid electronicdevice. Each subsequent viewer device 70 is utilized by a subscriber oruser wishing to view video provided by one or more video hosts 60.

It should be understood that at least one of the subsequent viewerdevices 70 may be at least one of a smartphone or tablet, having amemory containing communications software and some form of Internetconnectivity, such as a cellular data connection, a WiFi connection, orthe like. The Internet connector may optionally be used with thecommunications software for communication, via the distributed network10, to the server 20.

In various exemplary embodiments, each of the subsequent viewer devices70 includes a display and may optionally include one or more inputdevices. In various exemplary embodiments, the display may be any otherknown or later developed system capable of displaying data. The one ormore input devices may be one or more of a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, a touch pad, a stylus, a microphone, a camera, or any otherknown or later developed device capable of inputting data into thesubsequent viewer device 70.

Each of the subsequent viewer devices 70 may also, optionally include atleast some of a memory to store video or other data, a processor forrendering video, and a screen to display video.

In various exemplary embodiments, the server 20 is capable of receivingstreaming video, geolocation data, and other data from each of the atleast one mobile devices 50. The server 20 is also capable ofmaintaining streaming video, geolocation data, and other data, andtransmitting such video and/or other data, via the network, to anappropriate outlet host device 60 and/or subsequent viewer device 70.

Thus, in various exemplary embodiments, each of the mobile device(s) 50,video host(s) 60, and subsequent viewer device(s) 70 is able to access,store, retrieve, and process data from any one or more of the database30, the distributed network 10, or any other accessible database (notshown). In this manner, it is not essential that any particular data bestored in the database 30. Alternatively, this data can be stored in,for example, the server 20, one or more of the mobile devices 50, videohosts 60, subsequent viewer devices 70, and/or the distributed network10.

In various exemplary embodiments, the systems and/or methods of thepresent disclosure will include software and or an App executing on theserver 20, one or more of the mobile devices 50, one or more of thevideo hosts 60, and/or one or more of the subsequent viewer devices 70.

Utilizing the features and elements of the present disclosure, asillustrated in FIGS. 1-5, and following the exemplary steps shown inFIG. 6, in various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the presentdisclosure, a front-end-user downloads the App of the present disclosureto the mobile device 50 from, for example, the Google App store, theApple App store, or another applicable repository of mobile device Apps.As utilized herein, the App utilized to implement the present disclosuremay generally be referred to as the “MyLiveApp”.

After the user downloads and initially registers the MyLiveApp, the useraccesses the MyLiveApp and an exemplary method associated with thepresent disclosure begins before the user is able to begin capturing thevideo. As illustrated, the exemplary method begins at step S100 andcontrol continues to step S105, wherein user accesses the MyLiveApp and,in step S110, the MyLiveApp provides the user with a listing ofavailable video hosts. As illustrated most clearly in FIG. 2, the useris presented with a variety of potential video hosts, identified byselectable icons 110, displayed within the display 52 of the mobiledevice 50. As illustrated in FIG. 2, for exemplary purposes only, theMyLiveApp provides the user with potential video outlets, or hosts,including an Emergency video host, a My Outlet video host, a Global Newsvideo host, a Golf Network video host, a People's Network video host, aU-Post video host, and Other video host, and an Idea TV video host. Itshould be appreciated that the content and layout of the graphical userinterface (GUI) that is utilized to display the selectable icons 110 isa design choice based upon the desired appearance and/or functionalityof the GUI. Each of the selectable video hosts represents a video hostthat is potentially tailored toward a specific genre or type ofaccessible videos.

Users may optionally select additional video hosts that may be, forexample, local or national news broadcasters, or providers ofspecifically categorized or niche videos. In various exemplaryembodiments, the user is optionally able to select “video host” and isthen provided with a variety of potential video hosts and/or a method oflocating a particular video host for selection.

Once the MyLiveApp provides the user with a listing of available videohosts, the method advances to step S115 and the user is able to selectone or more desired video hosts from the one or more available videohosts. Available video hosts are listed in the menu options displayed onthe MyLiveApp computer application stored on the user's mobile device50.

If one or more video hosts are selected, the method advances to stepS120 and the user is associated with the selected video host(s) suchthat the selected video host(s) will be the exclusive recipient(s) ofcaptured video from the user. As illustrated, the user has selected theMy Outlet video host, the Global News video host, and the People'sNetwork video host. Thus, when video is captured by the user, using theMyLiveApp, captured video will automatically be streamed or uploaded tothe My Outlet video host, the Global News video host, and the People'sNetwork video host. The listing of selected video hosts may be amendedor updated, as desired by the user.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the user may optionally establish oneor more video hosts, to be associated with a particular eventdescription or tag. In this manner, the user may simultaneously uploador stream video tagged as emergency to an emergency services video host,a local news video host, and a national news video host. Video tagged ashobby or sports may be uploaded or streamed to the user's personal videooutlet and a sports video host.

In various exemplary embodiments, selection of a selected video host bythe user initiates an approval request to each of the selected videohosts. In these exemplary embodiments, a selected video host must firstapprove the user's request, before the association between the user andthe selected video host takes effect.

When the association between the user and the selected video host(s) iscomplete, the method continues to step S125, where the method ends andthe user is able to capture video and upload or stream the capturedvideo to the selected video host(s), as further described herein.

When the association between the user and the selected video host(s) iscomplete, the user is able to capture video and upload or stream thecaptured video to the selected video host(s), utilizing the features andelements of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, andfollowing the exemplary steps shown in FIG. 7, in various exemplary,nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary methodbegins at step S200 and control continues to step S205, wherein, if auser accesses the MyLiveApp a HOME menu, as illustrated in FIG. 3, isprovided from which the MyLiveApp user has the option of choosing fromselectable icons 112, representing optional features provided by theMyLiveApp.

As illustrated, at least some of the provided features may include, forexample, My Videos, Send to Video Host, Call Emergency Services, orSocial Media. If, in step S110, the user chooses determined selectableicon 112, such as, for example, “Send to Video Host” the method advancesto step S215 and, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the MyLiveApp displays agraphical user interface within the display 52, providing the user witha plurality of choices of video types by which to categorize or tag theevent the user is about to video and stream. In an illustrative,nonlimiting embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the MyLiveApp providesa plurality of selectable icons, to allow the user to tag the event asan emergency event, weather event, sports event, celebrity relatedevent, fire, other event, hobby event, crime, or political event. Itshould be appreciated that these are merely exemplary tags and that thenumber and type of presented tags is a design choice. It should also beappreciated that the user may be offered the option of creatingdesignation or tag for the event.

Once a tag for the event has been selected, the method advances to stepS220 and the MyLiveApp accesses the camera of the mobile device 50. Oncethe camera of the mobile device 50 has been accessed, the methodadvances to step S225 and the MyLiveApp enables the capturing of videoby the mobile device 50, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 5. Thecaptured video is uploaded or streamed to be recorded to either a clouddatabase storage or other recordable medium, and streamed live to thepreviously selected video host(s).

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the user has designated a video type as an“emergency”, using a selectable icon 115. Once the designation has beenentered, the video capture feature of the camera of the mobile device 50is accessed and, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the video of the accident iscaptured and streamed to at least one previously selected video host,using the designated tag of “emergency”.

In various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 5, while videois being captured and streamed, a “Streaming to LIVE” or “LIVE” icon 118is displayed within the display 118 to indicate that to the user thatthe currently captured video is being streamed to the selected videohost(s). In certain exemplary embodiments, the captured video isprovided to each selected video host, together with the tag informationand optionally certain geolocation information, identifying thegeographic location where the video is being captured.

The method then optionally advances to step S230, wherein the capturedvideo is provided to one or more of the subsequent users, via thesubsequent user devices 70. In certain exemplary embodiments, thecaptured video is provided to the subsequent users, based on thedesignated tag or category identified by the user. In this manner,subsequent users may access and view captured video, based on thedesired categories or tags.

When the user discontinues the video capture and video upload orstreaming (or the video is optionally provided to one or more of thesubsequent users), the method continues to step S230, where the methodends.

In various exemplary embodiments, the systems and/or methods of thepresent disclosure provide a back-end web interface, which allows thevideo host 60 to operate in accordance with the systems and/or methodsof the present disclosure. As utilized herein, the web interfaceutilized by the video host may generally be referred to as “CamCasterControl Room”. In various exemplary embodiments, CamCaster Control Roomcommunicates and corresponds over the distributed network 10 with theone or more mobile devices 50, using the MyLiveApp to receive and streamthe real-time video content for broadcast purposes directly to one ormore subsequent viewers, each utilizing a subsequent viewer device 70.The video content can also be recorded in the mobile device's 50 memory,in an archived cloud database, such as, for example, the database 30, orin another computer readable medium.

Through the CamCaster Control Room, a video host can view the videocontent being captured, uploaded, and/or recorded by each associateduser. In various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 8, theCamCaster Control Room may provide the outlet host device 60 with adisplay including graphical representations of a selected geographicarea, together with graphical representations of each mobile device 50within the geographic area. In certain exemplary embodiments, thedisplay provides a graphical representation of each mobile device 50that is currently dormant or not capturing video within the MyLiveApp.Any each mobile device 50 that is currently capturing video, via theMyLiveApp, is also displayed as a graphical representation of a mobiledevice 50′. By selecting a given mobile device 50′, the CamCasterControl Room allows the outlet host device 62 display the videocurrently being captured, by that given device 50′, via the MyLiveApp.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the CamCaster Control Room may optionallyallow a video host to view, via the outlet host device 60, thegeographic location of mobile devices 50, within a given geographicarea. As illustrated, for example, if the video host is aware of anevent or potential event, the location of the event or potential eventcan be identified on a map representing the geographic area. The videohost is then able to send requests to each mobile device 50 within thegeographic area to request that video be captured using the MyLiveApp,for use by the outlet host device 60.

In certain exemplary embodiments, users are members can be identified aspreferred or standard users or members. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the representation of each mobile device 50 may optionallyrepresent a geographic location of preferred users (as mobile devices50′) and standard users (as mobile devices 50). In this manner, thevideo host may optionally send requests to only preferred users and notstandard users.

In certain exemplary embodiments, video host are able to contact a user,while the user is utilizing the MyLiveApp, directly, via a live call ortexting pallet interface within the CamCaster Control Room dashboard. Inthis manner, the video host is optionally able to acquire or providefurther information to the user and/or verify that video content beinguploaded or streamed. Upon verification, the video host may decidewhether the video stream is to be broadcast live or recorded to, forexample, the database 30 for later processing and/or distribution tosubsequent viewers, via subsequent viewer devices 70.

The decision of the video host may optionally be passed on to the uservia the CamCaster Control Room via text or voice communications,utilizing the CamCaster Control Room and the MyLiveApp. If the videofootage is to be streamed live, the video host may optionally query theuser concerning information about the event and direct the user as toframing of the video content and gives them a “Stand by” directive. Whenthe video is being viewed or sent to broadcast a “LIVE” indicator in theuser's display 52 is illuminated.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the MyLiveApp user cancapture and transmit live audio and video streams, via a mobile device,to a CamCaster Control Room recipient. The mobile device transmits thevideo (comprising both audio and video) by using the one or moremicrophones of the mobile device. Simultaneously, with the one-waytransmission of the video (comprising audio and video) to a CamCasterControl Room recipient, the CamCaster Control Room control person caninitiate a Voice-Over-IP (“VoIP”) audio communication to or with theMyLiveApp user. The VoIP audio communication to or with the MyLiveAppuser is separate and apart from the audio included in the recorded orstreamed video. Thus, the VoIP audio communication to or with theMyLiveApp user is not part of the original video transmission(comprising the audio and video from the captured or streamed video).

So long as the mobile device is equipped to have different microphoneand/or line inputs, systems and methods of the present disclosureseparate VoIP audio from a simultaneous audio/video being capturedand/or streamed.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the VoIP audiocommunication to or with the MyLiveApp user is a private communication.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the VoIP audiocommunication to or with the MyLiveApp user may optionally be a one waycommunication (from the CamCaster Control Room control person to theMyLiveApp user) or may optionally be a two way communication (betweenthe CamCaster Control Room control person and the MyLiveApp user).

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the VoIP audiocommunication to or with the MyLiveApp user may optionally be donethrough a wired headset or a wireless bluetooth device with a speakeronly or with a speaker and a microphone.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the VoIP audiocommunication to or with the MyLiveApp user can be done through themobile device's front speaker, bottom “speakerphone” speaker, or otherattached or wireless speaker.

Following the exemplary steps shown in FIG. 10, in various exemplary,nonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary methodbegins at step S300, wherein a CamCaster Control Room operator initiatesa communication or VoIP call to a MyLiveApp user. In certain exemplaryembodiments, audio communications are always initiated by the CamCasterControl Room operator, via the CamCaster Control Room. In variousexemplary embodiments, this is accomplished by the CamCaster ControlRoom operator utilizing the CamCaster Control Room dashboard orgraphical user interface to select a determined MyLiveApp user andselecting “Call”, as illustrated in FIG. 15. FIG. 15, furtherillustrates an exemplary screenshot from the dashboard or graphical userinterface. When someone on the dashboard wishes to initiate a VoIP call,they look for an available MyLiveApp user, referred as “fff” in theexhibit, they click on the icon representing the user, and, for example,click “call stringer”.

FIG. 16 further illustrates a portion of the dashboard or graphical userinterface illustrated in FIG. 15, wherein the name “Dani” is identifiedas the selected MyLiveApp user.

In response to the call initiation by the CamCaster Control Room, themethod advances to step S305, wherein a request to initiate a VoIP callis sent to the selected MyLiveApp user.

If the MyLiveApp user receives the call or invitation, via theMyLiveApp, the MyLiveApp will “ring” and, in step S310, the MyLiveAppuser is given the option to answer or reject the call from the CamCasterControl Room and the method advances to step S315. In various exemplaryembodiments, the graphical user interface of the MyLiveApp presents aset of two selectable buttons or icons, allowing the MyLiveApp user to“answer” or “reject” the initiated call, as illustrated in FIG. 11. Asfurther illustrated in FIG. 11, a MyLiveApp user has received aprospective VoIP call and is able to accept or reject the received call.

If, in step S315, it is determined that the MyLiveApp user rejects theVoIP call, the method advances to step S320, wherein the VoIP call isrejected and the CamCaster Control Room operator is notified that thecall was rejected and the method may optionally return to step S300,wherein the a CamCaster Control Room operator may reinitiate acommunication or VoIP call to a MyLiveApp user.

Otherwise, if it is determined, in step S315, that the MyLiveApp useraccepts the call, then the method advances to step S325, and a VoIPcommunication is established between the MyLiveApp user and theCamCaster Control Room operator. Once the VoIP communication isestablished, the CamCaster Control Room can audibly communicate with theMyLiveApp user, using the microphone and speaker available on thecomputer running the CamCaster Control Room.

Once the communication is established, the MyLiveApp user can audiblycommunicate with the CamCaster Control Room operator using one of theavailable audio communication ports available on the mobile device, forexample, on a wired headset or a wireless Bluetooth headset.

Once the MyLiveApp user has accepted a VoIP call, no matter which pageof the MyLiveApp that the user has navigated to, new buttons labeled“Hang Up” and “Output” will appear. Hang Up will terminate the VoIPcall, while Output will allow the MyLiveApp user to select or change theparticular input and output for the private communication with theCamCaster Control Room operator.

If the MyLiveApp is closed when the CamCaster Control Room operatorattempts to establish a VoIP call, the MyLiveApp will still ring andquery the user to accept or reject the VoIP call.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the MyLiveApp user has accepted the call andone or more icons appear at the right, which remain until the call isterminated. These icons allow the user to terminate the VoIP call orchange the output of the VoIP call.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the MyLiveApp user has now turned theirmobile device horizontally, while remaining on the VoIP call, and theMyLiveApp user is preparing to shoot live video—perhaps at the directionof the CamCaster Control Room operator on the VoIP call. In variousexemplary embodiments, the MyLiveApp user must select the category forthe video he or she is about the shoot.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the MyLiveApp user is now shooting live video(as indicated by the “streaming” text at the top). The VoIP is alsolive, while the video is streaming (as indicated by the icons at thebottom left).

By way of example and not limitation, during use, a MyLiveApp user mayreceive, via a mobile device, a call from the CamCaster Control Roomoperator. If the MyLiveApp user answers the call, using a separate wiredor Bluetooth device headset, the VoIP communication back and forth isvia the separate wired or Bluetooth device headset. The MyLiveApp usermay then be directed, via the audio communication, to start streamingvideo to the CamCaster Control Room. The audio that goes along with thelive video will be picked up from the microphone of the mobile deviceand not from the wired or Bluetooth headset microphone. The wired orBluetooth headset microphone will only be used for audio communicationsbetween the CamCaster Control Room operator and the MyLiveApp user.

By way of further example, the MyLiveApp user begins filming a liveevent and a CamCaster Control Room operator sees the live audio andvideo feed from the MyLiveApp user and desires to communicate with theMyLiveApp user, either before or after broadcasting the live video feedof the event from user. The CamCaster Control Room operator may initiatea VoIP call with the MyLiveApp user, perhaps to establish credibility,request that the MyLiveApp user change positions, pan, zoom, orotherwise better frame the live event, etc. These communications betweenthe MyLiveApp user and the CamCaster Control Room operator are not madepart of the live feed of the particular event.

In still another example, the MyLiveApp user is not filming a live eventand not even using the MyLiveApp at the particular moment, but theuser's location is being reported to a CamCaster Control Room operator.The CamCaster Control Room operator may establish a VoIP call to theMyLiveApp user to request that the MyLiveApp user begin filming a liveevent near the geographic proximity of the MyLiveApp user. In this case,the MyLiveApp user may continue the communication with the CamCasterControl Room operator privately, while simultaneously filming the liveevent for the CamCaster Control Room operator and providing the video tothe CamCaster Control Room.

If communications are provided between the video host and user, the usermay, for example, continue to capture video content until instructedotherwise. Optionally, the video host, live studio news anchors,reporters, or the like may interview the user during capturing of thelive video content.

The video host places the video content stream live on the air via theCamCaster Control Room.

If the video stream is not utilized for live broadcast, the video mayoptionally be recorded and stored, too, for example, the database 30under the video host's supervision until the news event ends and willbecome available for use later on as Video On Demand (VOD).

Subsequent viewers, via subsequent viewer devices 70 are able to accessand view videos, provided by video hosts, via the outlet host device 60.In various exemplary embodiments, subsequent viewers are able to viewlistings of live stream cameras according to category or tag. Subsequentviewers are also able to utilize location and/or geolocation filtering,title and descriptive information to filter and view video content,provided by the video hosts, via the outlet host devices 60.

In various exemplary embodiments, the MyLiveApp is a NewsDelivery/Emergency Services/Social Media notification orientedapplication for mobile devices 50 with video streaming and capturingcapabilities. The application is designed to operate with any mobiledevice 50 as known in the art. In various exemplary embodiments, thegeolocation information regarding each of the mobile devices 50 providesthe ability for video hosts to contact users and solicit bids to capturelivestreamed video for news coverage. Alternatively, users mayoptionally receive bids to capture livestream video for video hosts.These users can turn their availability on and off which changes theiricon on the camera map from available to not available.

The MyLiveApp, comprises certain optional capabilities, not all of whichindependently or in combination must be utilized in order carry out thesystems and/or methods of the present disclosure.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the MyLiveApp separatelyand optionally provides the ability to record and stream live video atmultiple bit rates to the server 20, provide push notifications topre-designated users, when a video stream is started, support livestreaming from other camera devices, such as GoPro Hero® cameras ordrones, via present and future smart mobile device 50 connections.

The MyLiveApp separately and optionally provides the ability to accessphone location services and share location, to see news & Social MediaContent on map using live map features, to manage contacts, to viewpersonal and saved videos on a server via smart devices and webbrowsers, to enable video hosts' graphic branding and customization ofthe overall application and its pages, to integrate a chat (texting) andvoice component permitting users to chat with video hosts.

The MyLiveApp separately and optionally provides the ability to list andview live and video on demand (VOD) videos as chosen via a type-filteror by date and time filter. This content may be limited to videos shotfor the particular “favorite” news connection chosen by the user.

The MyLiveApp separately and optionally provides the ability for theuser to choose a video host in the form of a broadcaster or web pageorganization to send their news feed, to be provided with admin settingsallowing users to update & modify their generally applicable personalinformation & set up the MyLiveApp's features, to connect with and sendnotices, alerts and content to other social media Apps & outlets, tocategorize/label news into a specific category prior to recording &streaming, to give users Multiple choices of News and Emergency Type:Fire, Accident, War, Crime, Weather, Politics, Celebrities, Sports,Other; which then activates the cellphone camera.

The MyLiveApp separately and optionally provides for 2-way voicecommunication between the application user and the video host orreceiving end of a video stream via a back-end interface.

In various exemplary embodiments, the MyLiveApp can interact with acorresponding website to a payment Gateway for the users to subscribe toand purchase services.

The MyLiveApp separately and optionally provides auto and manually setstreaming with different video and audio quality. In various exemplaryembodiments, the user has the ability to turn the microphone on/off viathe icon depicted as a microphone.

The MyLiveApp separately and optionally provides for remote control ofcamera light, zoom, and front and back camera switching features fromthe CamCaster Control Room web interface and for metadata recording andpresentation in various location throughout the MyLiveApp and CamCasterControl Room: Name, Location, Date, Time, Length, Title, andDescription.

In various exemplary embodiments, the MyLiveApp allows video hosts todirectly solicit and hire users who are nearby news events in order tocapture and stream video content.

In various exemplary embodiments, the MyLiveApp allows video to beuploaded and/or streamed at multiple bit rates and supports livestreaming from other video sources, such as GoPro Hero® cameras video aBluetooth or similar connection. Notably, if the other video sourcedevice connected has an internal gyroscope that can be used to determineif such video source device is horizontal or vertical.

FIG. 17 illustrates a functional block diagram outlining certaincomponents of an exemplary embodiment of the systems and/or methods ofthe present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 17, in various exemplary,nonlimiting embodiments, the present disclosure utilizes at least someof a distributed network 10, linked connection(s) 12, one or more mobiledevices 50, at least one outlet host device 60, and at least onesubsequent viewer device 70.

It should be understood that each of these elements corresponds to andoperates similarly to the distributed network 10, the linkedconnection(s) 12, the one or more mobile devices 50, the at least oneoutlet host device 60, and the at least one subsequent viewer device 70,as described above with reference to FIG. 1 and following. It should beunderstood that the components illustrated in FIG. 17 may optionally beutilized in connection with at least the server 20, the memory ordatabase 30, and/or the one or more mobile communications base stations40, as also described above with reference to FIG. 1 and following.

However, FIG. 17 further illustrates the inclusion, incorporation, orutilization of at least certain microphones and/or speakers associatedwith the mobile device 50 and the host device 62 facilitate two-waycommunication between the MyLiveApp user (mobile device 50 user) and theCamCaster Control Room operator (host device 60 operator).

As illustrated, the systems and/or methods of the present disclosureoptionally utilize various microphones and/or speakers of the mobiledevice 50 and various microphones and/or speakers of the host device 60to provide audio communications between the CamCaster Control Roomoperator and the MyLiveApp user. For example, audio communicationsbetween the CamCaster Control Room operator and the MyLiveApp user maybe provided, via the mobile device 50, by one or more of a first mobiledevice input microphone 53 and a mobile device output speaker 54.Similarly, audio communications between the CamCaster Control Roomoperator and the MyLiveApp user may be provided, via the host device 60,by one or more of a first host device input microphone 63 and a hostdevice output speaker 64.

In various exemplary embodiments, the first mobile device inputmicrophone 53 and the mobile device output speaker 54 may optionally bea microphone and/or speaker resident in the mobile device 50.Alternatively, the first mobile device input microphone 53 and themobile device output speaker 54 may optionally be a separate wired orwireless device headset. The linked audio connection 12A may optionallybe a VoIP connection.

Thus, it should be appreciated that the first mobile device inputmicrophone 53, the mobile device output speaker 54, and the secondmobile device input microphone 57 may optionally comprise one or moremicrophones and/or speakers resident in the mobile device 50 or may beexternal devices attached or coupled to the mobile device 50 via a wiredor wireless connection. In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments,the first mobile device input microphone 53 and the second mobile deviceinput microphone 57 may comprise the same microphone and the audioassociated with the captured video may include audio communicationsbetween the CamCaster Control Room operator and the MyLiveApp user.

Audio associated with the video that is being captured and uploaded orstreamed from the mobile device 50 may be provided by a second mobiledevice input microphone 57. The second mobile device input microphone 57may optionally be a microphone and/or speaker resident in the mobiledevice 50. Alternatively, the second mobile device input microphone 57may optionally be a separate wired or wireless microphone attached orcoupled to the mobile device 50. The second mobile device inputmicrophone 57 is the microphone utilized to capture audio associatedwith the captured video. The audio associated with the captured video istransmitted to the host device 60, together with the captured video, viathe linked video connection 12V.

In various exemplary embodiments, the first host device input microphone63 and the host device output speaker 64 may optionally be a microphoneand/or speaker resident in the host device 60. Alternatively, the firsthost device input microphone 63 and the host device output speaker 64may optionally be a separate wired or wireless device headset. Thesecond host device input microphone 67 may optionally be a microphoneand/or speaker resident in the host device 60. Alternatively, the secondhost device input microphone 67 may optionally be a separate wired orwireless microphone attached or coupled to the host device 60.

Thus, it should be appreciated that the first host device inputmicrophone 63, the host device output speaker 64, and the second hostdevice input microphone 67 may optionally comprise one or moremicrophones and/or speakers resident in the host device 60 or may beexternal devices attached or coupled to the host device 60 via a wiredor wireless connection. In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments,the first host device input microphone 63 and the second host deviceinput microphone 67 may comprise the same microphone and the audioassociated with the video uploaded or streamed to the viewer devices 70may include the original audio associated with the captured video,optionally the audio communications between the CamCaster Control Roomoperator and the MyLiveApp user, and additional audio provided by thehost device 60.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, additional audioassociated with the video that is being uploaded or streamed from thehost device 60 to various viewer devices 70 may be provided by thesecond host device input microphone 67. The second host device inputmicrophone 67 is the microphone utilized to capture audio, such as audiocommentary by the host device 60, which will be included or associatedwith the captured video, when the captured video is uploaded or streamedfrom the host device 60 to viewer devices 70. Any additional audioassociated with the captured video is transmitted from the host device60 to the viewer devices 70, together with the originally captured audioand video, via the linked video connection 12V′.

The linked audio connection(s) 12A and/or the linked video connection(s)12V and/or 12V′ may be any known or later developed device or system forconnecting at least some of the mobile device(s) 50, the video host(s)60, including a direct wired connection, a connection over a LAN, a WAN,or any other distributed network, a connection over the public switchedtelephone network, a connection over a cellular data connection, anInternet connection, a Bluetooth connection, a WiFi connection, aconnection over a cellular telephone network, a VoiP connection, asatellite connection or the like. In general, the linked audioconnection(s) 12A and/or the linked video connection(s) 12V and/or 12V′may be any known or later developed connection system or structureusable to connect at least the mobile device(s) 50 and the video host(s)60, including both wired and wireless connections.

Thus, during use, audio communications may optionally be transmitted andreceived between the CamCaster Control Room operator (host device 60operator) and the MyLiveApp user (mobile device 50 user) via the linkedaudio connection 12A. Audio associated with the video that is beingcaptured and uploaded or streamed is transmitted from the MyLiveApp userto the CamCaster Control Room operator is transmitted from the mobiledevice 50 to the host device 60, via the linked video connection 12V,which is separate and distinct from the linked audio connection 12A.

In this manner, when a MyLiveApp user starts a live video and audiostream, the software provides access to the audio and video inputs ofthe mobile device 50 for purposes of transmitting the live video andaudio feed, via the linked video connection 12V. However, simultaneouslywhile streaming said video and audio, via the linked video connection12V, the MyLiveApp creates a multi-channel audio access that allows thefirst mobile device input microphone 53 and optionally the second mobiledevice input microphone 57, to connect, via the linked audio connection12A (such as, for example, a second initiated VoIP network) back to theCamCaster Control Room. With this multi-channel audio access, theone-way or two-way separate audio communication does not interrupt thesimultaneous live video audio transmission.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the audio communications, via thelinked audio connection 12A, allow, for example, the MyLiveApp user toreceive instructions and/or comments from the CamCaster Control Roomoperator, without interfering with the audio associated with thecaptured video.

While the presently disclosed systems and/or methods has been describedin conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, theforegoing description of exemplary embodiments of the presentlydisclosed systems and/or methods, as set forth above, are intended to beillustrative, not limiting and the fundamental disclosed systems and/ormethods should not be considered to be necessarily so constrained. It isevident that the presently disclosed systems and/or methods is notlimited to the particular variation set forth and many alternatives,adaptations modifications, and/or variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art.

It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology employedherein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Unlessdefined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein havethe same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in theart to which the presently disclosed systems and/or methods belongs.

In addition, it is contemplated that any optional feature of theinventive variations described herein may be set forth and claimedindependently, or in combination with any one or more of the featuresdescribed herein.

Accordingly, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments willreveal the general nature of the presently disclosed systems and/ormethods, such that others may, by applying current knowledge, change,vary, modify, and/or adapt these exemplary, non-limiting embodiments forvarious applications without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresently disclosed systems and/or methods and elements or methodssimilar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inpracticing the presently disclosed systems and/or methods. Any and allsuch changes, variations, modifications, and/or adaptations should andare intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range ofequivalents of the disclosed exemplary embodiments and may besubstituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of thepresently disclosed systems and/or methods.

Also, it is noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “and”, “said”, and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Conversely, it iscontemplated that the claims may be so-drafted to require singularelements or exclude any optional element indicated to be so here in thetext or drawings. This statement is intended to serve as antecedentbasis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely”, “only”, and thelike in connection with the recitation of claim elements or the use of a“negative” claim limitation(s).

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for direct video broadcasting to atleast one video host, via a mobile device, comprising: allowing said atleast one video host to initiate an audio communication with a user, viasaid user's mobile device; allowing said user, via said mobile device,to accept said initiated audio communication from said at least onevideo host; providing, in response to said user accepting said initiatedaudio communication, audio communication between said user and said atleast one video host; and allowing, in response to said user acceptingsaid initiated audio communication, said user to capture video, via saidmobile device, and upload or stream said captured video to said at leastone video host, wherein said at least one video host is enabled toengage in audio communications with said user, as said captured video isbeing captured, and wherein said audio communication is separate fromsaid audio associated with any video being captured.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said initiated audio communication is a nonverbalcommunication.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said audiocommunication is a Voice-Over-IP audio communication.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said audio communication is a one way communicationfrom said at least one video host to said user.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein said audio communication is a two way communication betweensaid at least one video host and said user.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein said audio communication is accomplished via an external speakerand/or microphone attached or coupled to said mobile device.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said audio communication is accomplished viaa speaker and/or microphone of said mobile device, which is separatefrom a speaker and/or microphone of said mobile device utilized forcapturing audio associated with video being captured by said mobiledevice.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: allowing said atleast one video host to provide said captured video to one or moresubsequent users.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:requiring said user to designate at least one categorization for saidcaptured video, prior to capturing said video.
 10. The method of claim1, further comprising: allowing said at least one video host to storesaid captured video.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said at leastone video host is enabled to engage in text or nonverbal communicationswith said user, as said captured video is being captured.
 12. A methodfor direct video broadcasting to at least one video host, via a mobiledevice, comprising: allowing a user to initiate an audio communicationwith at least one video host, via said user's mobile device; allowingsaid at least one video host to accept said initiated audiocommunication from said user; providing, in response to said at leastone video host accepting said initiated audio communication, audiocommunication between said at least one video host and said user; andallowing, in response to said at least one video host accepting saidinitiated audio communication, said user to capture video, via saidmobile device, and upload or stream said captured video to said at leastone video host, wherein said at least one video host is enabled toengage in audio communications with said user, as said captured video isbeing captured, and wherein said audio communication is separate fromsaid audio associated with any video being captured.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein said initiated audio communication is a nonverbalcommunication.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein said audiocommunication is a Voice-Over-IP audio communication.
 15. The method ofclaim 12, wherein said audio communication is a one way communicationfrom said at least one video host to said user.
 16. The method of claim12, wherein said audio communication is a two way communication betweensaid at least one video host and said user.
 17. The method of claim 12,wherein said audio communication is accomplished via an external speakerand/or microphone attached or coupled to said mobile device.
 18. Themethod of claim 12, wherein said audio communication is accomplished viaa speaker and/or microphone of said mobile device, which is separatefrom a speaker and/or microphone of said mobile device utilized forcapturing audio associated with video being captured by said mobiledevice.
 19. The method of claim 12, further comprising: requiring saiduser to designate at least one categorization for said captured video,prior to capturing said video.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein saidat least one video host is enabled to engage in text or nonverbalcommunications with said user, as said captured video is being captured.